Minnesota Timberwolves President of Basketball Operations Tim Connelly said losing Naz Reid was the “hurtful part” of trading for LaMelo Ball and Josh Green.
The Wolves introduced Ball and Green on Tuesday at Target Center. Connelly addressed the loss of fan favorite Naz Reid.
“I mean the bigger loss was Naz, both as a player in person, if we could have done this without Naz, it would’ve been the biggest no-brainer,” Connelly said.
Ball said “the sky is the limit” with this Wolves team.
“I feel it could do a lot, I mean, I'm just coming here ready to play,” Ball said. “I'm here to learn and just you know give them.”
Ball joined the Wolves from the Charlotte Hornets and hasn’t made it to the playoffs yet in his career. The Wolves have made it to the playoffs for the past five years in a row – with two appearances in the Western Conference finals since Anthony Edwards was drafted in 2020.
Head Coach Chris Finch said Ball “is a player that elevates everybody.” He said once the team builds better habits, they will have the ability to hold up against the best teams in the Western Conference.
Green said he wants to be a player that makes “winning plays” for the Wolves.
“At the end of the day, I love winning and I’m competitive, so you know, just kind of figuring it out and just be ready to go from day one,” Green said.
Connelly also addressed rumors of signing LeBron James.
“I think obviously he's an unbelievable player, whatever decision he's making is going to be the right one, there's a lot going on when you're as great as he is. You should have optionality,” he said. “We're kind of proud of who we are, and certainly wherever LeBron ends up is going to make that place much, much, much better.”
Ball was asked if he had made any phone calls asking James to join the Wolves. He laughed and said, “Yeah, whatever you’re thinking.”
The Timberwolves will be back in action in October.
